Passion is a powerful motivator, often compelling us to take on challenges that stretch beyond our daily obligations, even when time feels limited.
This project was born from a shared desire to create meaningful change – a pursuit that drives us despite its complexities. While others may measure impact through statistics, our focus has always been on belief, lived experience, and the transformative potential of co-production.
These values align closely with the ethos of the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine at Edge Hill University where three of us are proud National Teaching Fellows. As well as those from the fourth member of our group, a National Teaching Fellow and former colleague from Edgehill University who now holds a professorial role at BPP university. Both Edgehill and BPP’s university mission statements are centred on creating equitable access to Higher Education for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The ANTF Collaborative Innovation Project has enabled us to create a new model that is student led and focuses on contemporary approaches to increase students’ carers sense of belongingness. The support that we have received from ANTF has been invaluable.
The project we created reflects a connection to our personal journeys and shared experiences. For me, Toni, my dedication has always been focused on listening to and embracing the perspectives of others. This guiding principle has shaped my path, first as a nurse and now as an educator, driving my passion for meaningful engagement and compassionate care.
Life’s challenges spare no one, and students of all ages face hurdles that can significantly impact their journey. As we explored potential project proposals, a common thread emerged: caregiving. Each of us had experienced being informal carers at different points in our lives, and these experiences left an indelible mark on who we are today. My own caregiving journey has profoundly shaped me, though it has also left its scars. Reflecting on those challenging times, I often wondered what could have made things easier. It wasn’t material support that I longed for; rather, it was connection.
I vividly recall the long nights by my daughter’s bedside, kept awake by caffeine and the steady hum of her feeding machine. In those moments, I yearned for a private space to connect with someone who understood – a place to share frustrations, exchange experiences, or simply feel less alone. Even as I balanced caregiving with studying for my doctorate, I found myself reluctant to mix my student identity with my personal struggles. What I truly needed was a community of peers who “got it.”
This understanding formed the foundation of our discussions and ultimately shaped our proposal to facilitate student carers to develop their own preferred platform, where they could informally support each other.
From these reflections, our project was born – a vision that resonated deeply with all four of us in unique ways. Our goal is to work with student carers and support them to create a national student carers group, one that is visible on social media and offers links to private discussion spaces. Ultimately, this project was not undertaken purely for recognition; it was about staying true to our mission of making a difference, no matter how small or profound that impact might seem.
This initiative aims to empower students with caregiving responsibilities by fostering a sense of belonging and community. By building these networks, we hope to reduce isolation and enable student carers to thrive both academically and personally as they navigate their dual roles.
Author – Dr Toni Bewley
Project Team – Professor Jacqueline Leigh, Professor Dawne Irving – Bell, Dr Peter Leadbetter, Dr Toni Bewley
